as in bribe
something given or promised in order to improperly influence a person's conduct or decision
the customs official let us know that he might be prepared to look the other way if an appropriate backhander was slipped into his palm
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of backhander
Sonny Milano tied it up just 31 seconds later when his backhander got up over DiPietro’s glove shoulder.
—
Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 21 Sep. 2025
Florida led 1-0 just past halfway through the first period on what was credited as a backhander by Niko Mikkola.
—Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 25 May 2025
After Aho was called for a retaliatory roughing penalty on Anton Lundell, Verhaeghe posted up like a basketball player and roofed a backhander past Freddie Andersen under the bar for a 1-0 lead — his 31st career playoff goal in 82 games.
—Michael Russo, New York Times, 21 May 2025
As Souliere scrambled back into the crease, Ali spun and fired a backhander that found the back of the net for a 3-1 Irish lead.
—Patrick Donnelly, Twin Cities, 8 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backhander
Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 21 Sep. 2025
Florida led 1-0 just past halfway through the first period on what was credited as a backhander by Niko Mikkola.
—Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 25 May 2025
After Aho was called for a retaliatory roughing penalty on Anton Lundell, Verhaeghe posted up like a basketball player and roofed a backhander past Freddie Andersen under the bar for a 1-0 lead — his 31st career playoff goal in 82 games.
—Michael Russo, New York Times, 21 May 2025
As Souliere scrambled back into the crease, Ali spun and fired a backhander that found the back of the net for a 3-1 Irish lead.
—Patrick Donnelly, Twin Cities, 8 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backhander
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backhander
bribe
Noun
-
Financiers organized press offensives and enlisted top reporters as allies, offering lucrative jobs or outright bribes.—
Evan Hughes,
The Atlantic,
20 Oct. 2025
-
Imperiale’s confessions also suggest that gang members had to pay bribes to Emirati officials.—
Ed Caesar,
New Yorker,
20 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Backhander.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backhander. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share